Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Angela Valderrama-Diaz, founder of You're a Cookie!, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

You're a Cookie! is a cookie company that makes cookies for everyone! Our cookies are intentionally gluten-free + nut-free but 100% crazy good.

Tell us about yourself

I first got the idea for my business in 2017 when I was a Pastry Chef. I would make desserts for people with various allergen requirements. I loved making desserts that were allergen-friendly but did not taste that way. When I created the cookies, I wanted them to be accessible to everyone. So I started a Cookie Company that would eventually make its way to everyone via grocery stores, nationwide shipping, and more!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Taking the plunge. I think that is the biggest accomplishment -- no guarantees, no safety net. It was the purest form of self-belief that I've ever felt, and it was extremely scary + incredibly rewarding all at the same time.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Someone once told me that you are better/ stronger when you are comfortable, being uncomfortable -- because I started my company six months prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic. It came with its own struggles that many can relate to. But the hardest thing out of that was just powering through. I say that a lot, "just power through it." And it's not even challenging things like learning a new skill or anything; it's just your own ability to find the motivation to keep going without really knowing the future of your company during a time when everything is unstable.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Be comfortable, being uncomfortable. [You're not always going to get what you want, or land that deal, have all the money to do what you want the way you want. Staying cool, calm, and collected in the middle of a start-up storm will allow you to open yourself up to everything, even failure - so that it doesn't break you but teaches you something.]
  2. Try it small scale at home, and while it's not a popular opinion, start it anywhere - you don't need to touch the red tape of the city until you have to. Just do it.
  3. Surround yourself with real support. Support is action -- spreading the word of your brand, you, etc., purchasing your goods, offering help and following through, etc. Remember the saying -- all talk, no action (make sure the connections you make are actively supportive and show that support back. It takes a village.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Enjoy the journey - there's no super-secret to success -- Just do it or support it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.youreacookie.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youreacookie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youreacookie/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.